Copper Roof Theft at Welwyn Garden City

Copper metal theft had ruined the roof of this Welwyn Garden City surgery

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After removing the remaining copper, we over-boarded with compressed board

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And applied the 20 year certified polymer roofing system

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Standing seams fitted

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Liquid membrane and GRP matting encapsulation of the standing seams

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The hard edge metal trims are totally encapsulated to replicate copper roof drip edge

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The verdi green topcoat installed

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Accurately mimicking the traditional patinated copper look

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Life expectancy is around 25 years, with no expiry

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Around 50% of the copper roof had been stolen at the rear elevation of this Doctors' Surgery at Hall Grove in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

Realising that simply renewing the copper was likely to result in further metal theft (owing to the single storey, semi-hidden location with rear access) AND that the insurance renewal excess would cost as much again as new copper roofing, the Practice Manager sourced us for an alternative...

The Practice Manager negotiated with the insurers to renew the roof with a 20 year fibreglass reinforced liquid membrane system and informed local Council Planning of change of material but not of appearance (local planning in every area we have worked has been very supportive and okayed the change of fabric). The liquid membrane roofing system was 40% less expensive.

We

• removed the remainder of the copper panel
• over-boarded the compressed board isolation with marine ply
• fitted and encapsulated standing seams in liquid membrane and GRP matting
• totally encapsulated the hard edge metal trims to replicate copper roof drip edge
• applied 20 year Verdi green top coat in 2 coats
• repaired the guttering
• removed the chippings on the adjacent mineral flat roof, pressure washed it clean and overlaid it with a 15 year fibreglass reinforced liquid membrane system

All works were programmed so there was no water ingress while works took place. With the great cooperation of the surgery staff the surgery continued its services totally uninterrupted.

And the final job saved the insurers costs and future theft claims. The surgery has eliminated the risk of a very large excess levy for copper roof liability (lead roofs suffer the same huge insurance excesses).

ROOF LIFE EXPECTANCY:

Depending on the gauge, copper roof expectancy is around 50+ years, with the roof needing removal for renewal. By comparison, our liquid membrane system is fully efficient for around 25+ years. However, this doesn't mean it expires at this fixed date and there is no removal or stripping of the roof. Its erosion process is chalking, the base coat colours starting to show through gradually, signalling reinstatement.

Reinstatement itself is extremely simple and cost effective - We or any roofing company trained in liquid polymer roofing simply pressure wash the roof clean, apply a reactivation primer and apply a new top coat, with each top coat adding another 10 years. Alternatively, it could be integrated with preventative maintenance planning for the future, or with painting and other repairs and renewals.

WHAT NEXT?

• Browse some of our other copper roof replacement projects
• Browse our copper alternative roofing section
• We also replace leadwork - take a look at our lead alternative section
• Take a look at the areas we cover UK wide
• Follow the links around our website for much, much more - including turf roofing, commercial and domestic, roof material comparisons, warm roofing, our credentials and guarantees to you, and an online price estimator to help you price up your roofing project.

To discuss your roof call now on 01970 610047, drop us an email at info@rmpolymers.co.uk or submit a query via our online form.

We promise you a fast, professional, knowledgeable roofing service from roofers who actually care about your roof!